History, Mystery and Ghosts, Oh My!

I love to travel, and working in the industry has offered me an array of wonderful experiences and memories. The more places I visit, people and cultures I encounter, the more I find myself curious about my own country, the province I call home and the places and stories that are pivotal to our past.

The City of Victoria is integral to our past. A vibrant city today, it still has an element of old world atmosphere which I am sure comes from its English connection. I have visited Victoria and love its harbour side ambiance, the architecture and beautiful gardens, however, there is so much more to the history and mystery that makes up BC’s capital.

Join Wells Gray Tours as we take you behind the façade of the city and meet the characters and ghosts of the past. Our tour begins with a breakfast presentation by local historian Danda Humphrey. This is followed by a walk around the habour to view buildings designed by architect Francis Rattenbury, BC’s second premier Amor de Cosmos, and other colourful characters.

You will be staying at the beautiful Chateau Victoria which stands on the site of one of Victoria’s most quirky bits of history. Guide John Adams will intrigue you with the story, about a young Victoria Jane Wilson and her parrot Louis. Mr. Adams says, “Don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of a prim and proper older woman sitting in the lounge, looking rather confused and out of place in her fur collar and veiled hat, with a pair of kid gloves and a snifter of brandy on the table in front of her.” John will share the tale starting at its beginning in the late 1800s when the wealthy Wilson family built a stately mansion, including a turret, on a hill with views to the distant ocean.“ I will say no more as I don’t want to spoil the fun.

Cemeteries are a great place to hear about the lives of past residents of Victoria and John will walk us through three fascinating old cemeteries – the Jewish Cemetery, Old Burying Ground, and Ross Bay Cemetery while sharing stories of the various people who inhabit the grounds. As the sun sets and dark begins to descend upon the city, there is no better time to venture out with John to look for ghosts that have long been rumoured to wander the city.

Golf courses are a popular draw for visitors to Victoria and surrounding areas. Did you know that one famous golf course was the scene of a murder and a ghostly inhabitant?

Whether you have visited Victoria or not you will enjoy this opportunity to take a step back in time and discover the history and mystery of days gone by.